Millions of Roku users just got a major free upgrade — here's what you can do now

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A game-changer for navigation

Roku name on purple background
(Image credit: Roku)

Roku has launched a new update to its mobile app that makes navigation much simpler than using the previous built-in virtual remote. Roku's new app controls let you use touchscreen swiping for simpler navigation, so you don't have to manually press directional keys like you would on a normal remote.

It's a nice change, making it leagues easier and faster for you to find your favorite content more quickly. The update also brings several other changes, including cosmetic and security updates, to the Roku app to bring it more in line with the rest of Roku's ecosystem. It's already available across major devices, including iOS and Android app stores.

Swipe to navigate

Roku app swipe

(Image credit: Future)

Instead of tapping directional keys, the new Roku app lets you swipe to navigate in various directions, making content curation a breeze.

It's meant to eliminate finger fatigue, which was a common problem for those using the remote regularly. You can now easily navigate the libraries of the best streaming services and even those on Roku's free live channels, all on your phone.

Roku has even added haptic feedback to the swipe functionality, so there's a tactile response. Cord Cutters News claims that Roku's "internal testing showed that users completed navigation tasks up to 30 percent faster," though where they got this information is unclear.

Roku app choosing remote type

(Image credit: Future)

Just note that in order to switch to this navigation method you need to pull up Settings and then toggle the remote type from Traditional to Swipe. And you can choose to move only one position at a time with each swipe or one or more positions depending on the length of your swipe.

Other Roku app upgrades

Roku app new interface

(Image credit: Future)

Navigation is one thing, but Roku has also given its app several cosmetic changes, highlighting a variety of necessary information at the top of the page with handy shortcuts for tons of apps. You'll also know specifically which Roku device you're connected to, which relieves a lot of the previous stress if you own multiple Roku devices in one household.

Roku aims to make the mobile app a one-stop shop for everything within its ecosystem, creating a space that not only looks and feels clean but also is secure and easy to use. A new end-to-end encryption protocol has also been added to the system, ensuring users feel safe in the face of Roku's data breach last year.

All of these changes are available right now in the Roku iOS app and Roku Android app. Check your mobile device's app store to ensure your Roku mobile app is up-to-date.

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Ryan Epps
Ryan Epps
Staff Writer

Ryan Epps is a Staff Writer under the TV/AV section at Tom's Guide focusing on TVs and projectors. When not researching PHOLEDs and writing about the next major innovation in the projector space, he's consuming random anime from the 90's, playing Dark Souls 3 again, or reading yet another Haruki Murakami novel. 

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